Therapy
If you’ve been thinking about starting therapy but keep putting it off because you’re not sure what it costs — this post is for you.
Money is a real consideration. It’s okay to ask about it. In fact, we think more therapists should talk about pricing openly, because the uncertainty itself stops a lot of people from taking that first step.
So here’s everything you need to know about therapy costs in India — honestly, without jargon.
What Does Therapy Actually Cost in India?
Therapy pricing in India varies quite a bit depending on the type of therapist, their experience level, the city you’re in, and whether sessions are online or in-person.
| Type of Therapist | Approximate Cost Per Session |
|---|---|
| Trainee / Intern Therapist | ₹200 – ₹500 |
| Counsellor (1–3 years experience) | ₹500 – ₹1,200 |
| Counselling Psychologist (3–7 years) | ₹1,000 – ₹2,500 |
| Clinical Psychologist / Specialist | ₹2,000 – ₹5,000 |
| Psychiatrist (medication + consultation) | ₹800 – ₹3,000 |
Online therapy tends to cost slightly less than in-person, and therapists based in metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore often charge more than those in smaller cities.
Why Do Prices Vary So Much?
Training and qualifications. A therapist with an M.Phil in Clinical Psychology, specialised modality training (like EMDR, psychodrama, or expressive arts therapy), or years of supervised clinical experience will understandably charge more. Their depth of training directly affects the quality of your sessions.
Specialisation. If you need a therapist who works with trauma, grief, identity, or workplace burnout specifically, that expertise comes with a higher rate — and for good reason.
Session format. Individual one-on-one sessions cost more than group therapy. Experiential workshops, where you work alongside a small group with a trained facilitator, are often more affordable per hour while offering a different kind of depth.
Platform vs. independent practice. Large therapy platforms sometimes offer lower per-session rates but use therapists with less experience or shorter sessions. An independent practice with senior therapists will usually cost more — and offer more continuity, personalisation, and care.
Is Cheap Therapy Worth It?
This is worth addressing honestly.
A ₹300 session with an intern isn’t always bad. If you’re a student, financially constrained, or just beginning to explore therapy, it can be a valid starting point.
But if you’ve been through difficult experiences — grief, burnout, anxiety that’s been building for years, identity questions, relationship patterns you can’t seem to shift — the depth of your therapist’s training genuinely matters. A more experienced therapist will often help you move faster and more safely through hard material.
Think of it less like buying a product and more like investing in the quality of attention you receive.
What About App-Based Therapy Platforms?
Platforms like Amaha, BetterLYF, TalktoAngel, and YourDOST have made therapy more accessible in India, which is genuinely good. They typically charge ₹700–₹2,000 per session depending on the therapist tier you choose.
The trade-off is consistency — you may not always work with the same therapist, sessions can be shorter (30–45 minutes on some platforms), and the relationship tends to be more transactional.
For ongoing, deeper work — especially around identity, burnout, anxiety, or life transitions — many people find that working directly with an independent therapist or practice offers more continuity and care.
What Does Aayina Charge?
At Aayina Therapy, we believe good therapy should be accessible — but we’re also committed to offering the quality that comes from real training and real experience.
Our current rates for individual therapy are ₹1,200 – ₹1,500 per session, on a sliding scale.
What sliding scale means: we offer rates within this range based on your financial situation. You don’t need to prove anything or feel awkward about it. If ₹1,200 is what works for you right now, that’s what you pay. If you’re able to pay ₹1,500, you help us keep that lower rate available for someone who needs it.
Sessions are 50 minutes, online, and you work consistently with the same therapist.
We work with adults across India — and our areas of particular depth include anxiety, burnout, identity and self-worth, life transitions, and relational patterns. We also offer experiential workshops for those who want to explore personal growth in a group setting, at a lower price point than individual therapy.
Does Insurance Cover Therapy in India?
Some corporate health insurance plans in India are beginning to include mental health coverage, particularly as the Mental Healthcare Act 2017 has pushed for parity. A few insurers — like Star Health and Niva Bupa — offer mental health riders or include limited therapy sessions.
It’s worth checking your employer’s health policy, especially if your company has an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). If your company doesn’t have one yet, that’s worth raising with your HR team.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
- Short-term support (navigating a specific situation, stress, adjustment): 6–12 sessions
- Medium-term work (anxiety, burnout, relationship patterns): 3–6 months
- Deeper exploratory work (identity, long-standing patterns, trauma): 6 months to a year or more
Most therapists recommend starting with a commitment of 6–8 sessions before deciding whether the fit is right and whether you’re seeing movement. Therapy works best when it’s not treated as a crisis tool but as a consistent, ongoing practice.
Is Therapy Worth the Cost?
Consider what the problem is costing you already. Burnout that’s been going on for two years costs you energy, productivity, relationships, and quality of life every single day. Anxiety that stops you from making decisions affects your career and your sense of self. The investment in therapy is rarely about the money — it’s about whether you’re ready to treat your inner world with the same seriousness you’d give a physical health problem.
Most of our clients tell us they wish they’d started sooner.
Ready to Take the First Step?
If you’re considering therapy and want to find out whether Aayina is the right fit for you, we offer an initial consultation where you can ask questions, get a feel for our approach, and decide without pressure.
Or write to us at connect@aayinatherapy.com — we’re happy to answer any questions before you commit to anything.
Aayina Therapy offers individual therapy, group therapy, and experiential workshops online across India. Our therapists are trained counselling psychologists with expertise in expressive arts, somatic approaches, and evidence-based modalities.
